The Lake Zoar Authority publishes a handy boating guide, contact them at 203.264.0006. There are other public access points on the lake that listed there but are not listed in this guide.

Lake Zoar Boat Ramp - Southbury The boat ramp has parking for 60 cars with trailers. Portalets are provided during boating season. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for information. Access: I-84 to Exit 14 (east side of the river), south on Lakeside Road, right on Scout Road at VFW Hall to ramp at end of road.

Kettletown State Park - Southbury\Oxford
Campers only may launch canoes from the shore, there is no boat ramp. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection at 203.264.5678; campground or (203) 264-5169; office for fees and information. Access: I-84 (exit 14) south on George's Hill Road.

Jackson Cove Park - Oxford Boat ramp onto Lake Zoar, picnicing, loop trail and access to Pomperaug Trail. Contact the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department for information. Access: Jackson Cove Road.

The paddle distance on Lake Zoar from the Shepaug Dam portage downstream to Newtown?s Glen Road Bridge is about 2.27 miles.
The Walnut Tree Hill ball field in Sandy Hook is located here. It has a parking lot accessed off of Bridge End Farm Lane. Access steps from the water might be possible in some way on this Town owned property.

There is an inlet just to the south that may provide future access for canoes or kayaks. Note that the Pootatuck River empties into the Housatonic River at the west end of this inlet.

The 1934 vintage Glen Road Bridge carrying State Route 816 over the Housatonic River to Southbury is a landmark here, to the south across the cove from the ball field. There are interesting points of interest around this area including an old railroad trestle.

Across from Newtown in the north side of Lake Zoar is the mouth of the Pomperaug River in the Town of Southbury. Landmarks just downstream are the two bridges carrying Interstate 84 over the Housatonic River. It is a paddle distance of about 1.06 miles downstream from the Glen Road Bridge to the first I-84 bridge (Rochambeau Bridge).

It may be possible for paddlers to paddle up the Pomperaug River to a shopping center for restaurants and evening concerts. Feasibility of such a possibility depends upon the depth of the River, strength of current, obstacles etc. Put in and/ or take out ramps may be possible along the Pomperaug if Southbury is supportive of the idea.

Access is via River Road, just west of the bridge over the Pomperaug River. There is a sandy beach, swings, lifeguards in the summer, and the possibility for easy access for a canoe or kayak.


Lake Zoar Authority Goals
Goals of the Authority are 1) to improve water quality in Lake Zoar and the Housatonic river system and 2) promote safe boating through education and enforcement of the boating laws.
Programs include 1) aquatic weed control program by mechanical weed harvesting, 2) operation of a marine patrol enforcement unit with two LZA-owned boats, radio equipped, with constant shore contact and 3) water quality testing.

This site will present our organization's cause or ideas to the world. As communicating isn't always easy, we'll try to include photos and images that convey our message (remember, a well-chosen picture is a great way to get a point across). We'll also include specific information about our organization and its members, so no one forgets the people behind the pictures.

On this home page, we'll introduce our cause or message. We'll also try to include a picture or two that represents the kind of work we do.



LZA Mission Statement


The LZA has power to:

1) Control and abate algae and aquatic weeds in cooperation with the State Water Resources Commission.

2) Study water management, including but not limited to water depth and circulation, and make recommendations for action to member towns.

3) To act as agent for member towns with respect to filing grants for reimbursements with the Department of Environmental Protection and other state agencies in connection with state and federal programs.

4) The LZA is also responsible for providing and maintaining a marine patrol on the lake. The LZA Marine Patrol is responsible for enforcing the boating laws of the State of Connecticut and ensuring public safety.